Hit-and-Run Killing Is Second Cyclist Fatality on Greenpoint Ave Since April

The aftermath of a fatal hit-and-run crash on Sunnyside's Greenpoint Avenue. Photo: William C Lopez/##http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/bicyclist_killed_in_hit_run_1KIjsGqX4sdPOUHuPWMlGM##New York Post##

A motorist struck and killed a cyclist in Sunnyside Queens last night, then fled the scene, according to the NYPD. The cyclist, a 37-year-old Hispanic man whose name is being withheld until his family can be notified, died at the scene.

Witnesses told the New York Post that the driver was “flying by at an amazing speed” and swerving, almost hitting other pedestrians and vehicles as well.

A police spokesperson said both the motorist and cyclist were traveling eastbound on Greenpoint Avenue near 39th Place at the time of the crash. “It seems like he was sideswiped,” he said. An investigation into the crash is ongoing and no arrests have been made yet.

This fatal crash occurred in the 108th Precinct. To voice your concerns about neighborhood traffic safety directly to Captain Donald Powers, the commanding officer, head to the next precinct community council meeting. The 108th Precinct council meetings happen at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month at Sunnyside Community Services, 43-31 39th Street. Call the precinct at 718-784-5411 for information.

The City has created the superficial facade of being bike-friendly with their citibike program and limited, truly safe, separated grade lanes. It’s not even close to good enough.
In actuality, it’s treacherous to cycle in New York, with its yahoo-cars-first culture, and too-weak politicans to furnish the needed supply for safe bike lanes for the increased ridership. At what point do the politicians share the blame for bike deaths?